Electromagnetic volatilization of minerals

ABSTRACT

Extracting natural occurring volatile minerals using external and internal electromagnetic fields. FIG.  1  &amp; FIG.  2 : By passing the volatile solutions ( 23 ) and feed materials ( 126 ) through a closed container ( 14 )( 128 ) in the proximity of a electromagnetic field or corona. The electromagnetic field consists of electrodes placed on appropriate material either on the inside or the outside of the metal container ( 14 )( 128 ) and energized. Volatile gases are sent to recovery. FIG.  3 : Feed materials ( 212 ) can be fed on a enclosed conveyer ( 214 ) beneath a wrapped rod tube electrode ( 218 ) suspended above and lengthwise of the belt. Volatile gases are drawn off the top of the metal container ( 128 ) and sent to recovery. FIG.  4:  An electromagnetic probe ( 304 ) is inserted into a bore hole ( 302 ). When energized volatile gases are trapped in a cone shaped cover ( 306 ) or other appropriate containment covering the top of the bore hole ( 302 ) and sent to recovery.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is tied to a preceding Patent PendingApplication (PPA) serial No. 60/207,429, filed May 30, 2000. A PatentApplication has since been filed Mar. 6, 2001 and is awaiting review.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to precious metal extraction, specificallyto the volatilization and recovery of precious, and other minerals usingelectromagnetic corona fields, induced by electricity or by othermechanical means, extracting precious metals and other minerals fromsolutions(s), slurries, and different typ(s) of, feed material(s) andin-place mineralized ground, by volatilizing them from these sources.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Early inventors weren't aware of volatile metals existing in anyquantities, therefore this area of mineral separation was overlooked.Although a few patents dealt with trying to volatilize stable metals,using plasma arc and lazar to melt or volatilize already stable metals.This invention covers an area that hasn't been covered, and theinvention deals with the volatile aspect of high valance mineralsseparation in a non-polluting environmentally clean procedure. We canfind no prior art that covers the essence of this invention, theexception is the PPA 60/207,429 and the corresponding patent applicationfiled Mar. 6, 2001. U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,003; uses a lazar beam tovolatilize precious metals from feed materials using extreme heat. Themetals are either melted or volatilized, the metals are then collectedand filtered off to be processed. Although laser beam technology can beutilized to volatilize and recover low valance precious metals, it isslow and expensive to operate. The cost is prohibitive as ore bodies getlower, and lower grade, and the cost of mining goes up and up. Themining operators have to run large tonnage to be cost effective. Thisprocess could not deal with high valance unstable precious metalsliberated by the heat and could not be stabilized as metallic salt usingthis process. The Patent Pending Application (PPA) and the correspondingpatent filed Mar. 6, 2001 deals with volatile metals, using airinjection to volatilize them, removing these gasses with an air streamto a spray tower where they are separated from the air with sodiumhydroxide. Although this is an efficient way to separate precious metalsand other minerals. Sometimes in cases of the treatment of sewage andother volatile aqueous solutions and certain ores, the carry over oftramp minerals is quite large. It hampers the recovery of preciousmetals from large amounts of these contaminates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the present invention utilizing,electromagnetic volatilization of minerals.

[0007] Objects and Advantages

[0008] Accordingly several objects and advantages of the invention are:

[0009] (A) To provide a easy, cheap volatile mineral extraction and arecovery process to the minerals industry.

[0010] (B) Using a electromagnetic field to strip volatile preciousmetals and other minerals from solution(s), including feed materia, andin-place mineralized ground in a matter of seconds.

[0011] (C) To provide a clean extraction, excluding many of the problemcontaminates.

[0012] (D) To provide extraction of volatile precious metals and otherminerals from ores without fine crushing ores.

[0013] (E) Provide a process that can extract precious metals withoutcontaminating the ore, water sources, or other aqueous solution(s) orthe processing site, recovering minerals in an environmentally sound andresponsible manner.

[0014] (F) To provide a process that can strip highly salacious oresover six inches in size and up of volatile precious metals withoutcrushing.

[0015] (G) Further objects and advantages are to provide small businessan opportunity to operate their own company, form a small start-up cost.

[0016] (H) Further objects and advantages are that it opens up thousandsof potential ore bodies, water sources, industrial wastes, sewage, lowgrade mineralized ground and numerous other possibilities that couldpotentially have precious metals or other valuable minerals that at thepresent time are being volatilized and not recovered.

[0017] (I) Further objects and advantages are that crushing of the feedmaterial is not essential to the extraction of precious metals.

[0018] (J) Further objects and advantages are extracting minerals inplace, using an external corona probe down a bore hole. Volatilizingminerals from the area in a radius around the bore hole.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0019] In the drawings

[0020]FIG. 1, shows the cut away version of the solution process. Itcaptures the essence of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 2, is relating to a different process, that of processingprecious metal and other mineral bearing feed material.

[0022]FIG. 3, shows the cut away version of an external corona fieldextraction process for processing feed material of undetermined size.

[0023]FIG. 4, shows the cut away version of extraction of minerals froma bore hole using an electromagnetic hole probe with a externalelectromagnetic field.

[0024] Reference Numerals in Drawings

[0025]FIG. 1 Cut Away

[0026]10—Negative Electrical Conductor

[0027]12—Positive Electrical Conductor

[0028]14—Metal Container

[0029]16—Air Compressor

[0030]18—Air Line To The Container

[0031]22—Solution Trap

[0032]23—Solution

[0033]24—Intake

[0034]26—Positive Electrodes

[0035]28—Electrical Source

[0036]30—Solution Level

[0037]32—Solution Intake

[0038]34—Solution Outlet

[0039]36—Air Line To Recovery

[0040]FIG. 2

[0041]110—Stripped Feed Material

[0042]112—Electrical Source

[0043]114—Positive Electrode

[0044]116—Negative Electrode

[0045]117—Air Line to the Container

[0046]118—Air Compressor

[0047]122—Air Line To Recovery

[0048]124—Conveyer

[0049]126—Feed Material

[0050]128—Metal Container

[0051]130—Wrapped Around Container

[0052]132—Outlet Auger

[0053]FIG. 3 Cut Away

[0054]208—Hood

[0055]210—Chute

[0056]212—Feed Material

[0057]214—Conveyer

[0058]216—Suction Line to Compressor

[0059]218—Wrapped Rod or Tube Electrode

[0060]220—Compressor

[0061]222—Negative Electrode

[0062]224—Positive Electrode

[0063]226—Electrical Source

[0064]228—Stripped Feed Material

[0065]FIG. 4 Cut Away

[0066]302—Bore Hole

[0067]304—Electromagnetic Probe

[0068]306—Cone Shaped Cover

[0069]308—Positive Electrode

[0070]310—Vacuum Line to Compressor

[0071]312—Compressor

[0072]314—Negative Electrode

[0073]318—Ground

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0074]FIG. 1 Cut Away

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 1, a precious metal carrying solutionenters the container 14, through the solution intake 32, the solutionlevel 30 assumes the level of the solution trap 22, the solution 23enters the intake 24 pipe in the bottom of the metal container 14. Thesolution 23 travels upward and exits through the solution outlet 34. Thesolution 23 is subjected to an electromagnetic field created by aenergized electrode from an electrical source 28. The positiveelectrical conductor 12 goes to the metal container 14, and theinsulated positive electrode 26 is wrapped tightly around the length ofthe metal container 14. The other end of the positive electricalconductor 12 where it leaves the metal container 14 goes to the aircompressor 16 or other devices that would create a suitableelectromagnetic field. The negative electrical conductor 10 goesdirectly from the electrical source 28 to the air compressor 16 or toother devices. Volatilizing gasses are drawn off the top of the tank bythe inflowing air delivered by the air compressor 16 air line to thecontainer 18, from other sources. The pregnant air is drawn off by theair line air line to recovery 36. This process could also be used withnegative air pressure, using a vacuum to draw pregnant gases into therecovery circuit as in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0076]FIG. 2, Additional Embodiments

[0077] Certain volatile dry feed material minerals are susceptible tothe external corona electromagnetic volatilization of precious metalsand other minerals. Referring now to FIG. 2. Dry feed material 126 isfed into the metal container 128 through the chute 38 which in turnfeeds the conveyer 124. The feed material 126 is subjected to aelectromagnetic field that is induced by a positive electrode 114wrapped around the container 130. The feed material 126 exits throughthe out let auger 132 or other suitable discharge devises. The feedmaterial 126 now striped of minerals is ejected by outlet auger 132 orother suitable devices. The waste ends up in the stripped feed material110 pile. The positive electrode 114 goes to the metal container 128where the insulated positive electrode 114 is wrapped around thecontainer 130. The positive electrode goes from the metal container 128to the air compressor 118 or other devices where it energizes it andcreates a electromagnetic field. The negative electrode 116 goesstraight to the air compressor 118 or other devices. The air compressor118 sends air down the air line to the container 117, where it sweepsthe volatile gasses out through the air line to the recovery 122 unit.It could also be utilized with negative air, using a vacuum to draw thegases into recovery at in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0078]FIG. 3 Additional Embodiments

[0079] Certain mineralized material can be processed cheap and quicklyby this exterior electromagnetic corona process. Now referring to FIG.3, dry to moist feed material 212 is fed into chute, then fed down ontothe belt of a conveyer 214 where the feed material 212 is exposed to theexternal electromagnetic corona effect of the wrapped rod or tubeelectrode 218. It is suspended above or under and lengthwise over themoving belt. Volatile gases are trapped by a hood 208 where they aredrawn off and sent to recovery through suction line to compressor 216.From the electrical source 226, a positive electrode 224 is wrappedaround wrapped rod or tube electrode 218, it terminates at the end ofthe wrapped rod or tube electrode 218 and is then wired into thecompressor 220 or other devices to create an amperage load. The greaterthe amperage load, the greater the electromagnetic field. The greaterthe field the more diverse minerals will be volatilized and at greaterdistances. The negative electrode 222 goes directly to the compressor orother devises. The feed material 212 travels down the conveyor 214 anddumps off the end as stripped feed material 228.

[0080]FIG. 4 Additional Embodiments

[0081] Mineralized ground can be stripped of minerals in place usingdrilled holes in the surface of the ground. Now referring to FIG. 4,extracting minerals in place by drilling a bore hole 302 in the ground318, and inserting a electromagnetic probe 304 into the bore hole 302.The electromagnetic probe 304 is energized by positive electrode 308.From there the positive electrode 308 goes to the compressor 312 orother suitable devices that will increase or control amperage. Toincrease or decrease the electromagnetic field as need be. Theelectromagnetic probe 304 when energized liberates volatile mineralswhich are trapped by the cone shaped cover 306 or by other suitablecontainment. The minerals are drawn off to recovery by the vacuum lineto the compressor 310. The negative electrode 314 goes directly to thecompressor 312 or other devices.

[0082]FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 Alternative Embodiments

[0083] There are also additional possibilities with regard to differenttypes of magnetism. A.C. or D.C. voltage on a rheostat or some otherdevise to control the amount of current and the electro magnetic fieldintensity. Also the possibility of controlling the amount of volatility,selectively volatilizing certain minerals. Also electrostatic energyfields can achieve results volatilizing the volatile minerals in bothFIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 applications.

[0084]FIG. 2 Additional Alternative Embodiments

[0085] The added advantage of not crushing down to a fine consistency isan added factor. Electromagnetism releases volatile minerals while stilllocked up in rock the size of foot balls, making this process almostunique in its inception. In some cases not even needing a crusherfeeding this dry system. Systems could be designed to hold feed materialfragments up to several feet in diameter. It don't seem to make anydifference what size the feed is, the electromagnetic field strips it ofits precious metals in a matter of seconds.

[0086]FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 Additional Embodiments

[0087] The external corona field shown both in FIGS. 3 and 4 leads toexciting new innovative extraction using the continuous mining methodsusing the process shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows extraction of mineral inplace using a bore hole. Holes could be drilled in a grid, to any depthand systematically extract minerals using the electromagnetic probe 304and varying of amperage or voltage intensity to increase theelectromagnetic field to over lap volatile mineral extraction betweenbore holes. Giving a whole new meaning to underground mining.

[0088] Advantages

[0089] From the description above, a number of advantages of theelectromagnetic process becomes evident

[0090] (A) Providing a low cost extraction process to the mineralsindustry.

[0091] (B) Providing a clean, environmentally sound process to extractminerals.

[0092] (C) Provide a process for municipalities to use the air injectionprocess on municipal water intakes and sewage and storm water to extractminerals and metals. The extraction process could offset the cost ofproviding water and sewer to the municipality.

[0093] (D) It would also provide an opportunity for conventional mineralextraction operations to use the electromagnetic process on their wastewater to increase their profitability.

[0094] (E) Open up thousands of ore bodies and water sources to beutilized to produce precious metals or other minerals.

[0095] Operation—FIGS. 1 and 2

[0096] The manor of using this process, the creating an electromagneticfield around a container 14. The electromagnetic field can be eitherAlternating Current, or Direct Current or it can be electrostaticcurrent. Each of these cause a corona electric field surrounding thecontainer. Now referring to FIG. 1: In which is fed a mineral richsolution 23 is fed into the metal container 14. The electromagneticcorona field is energized by a insulated positive electrical conductor12 wrapped around the metal container 14. When energized, creates anelectromagnetic field or corona. The positive electrical conductor 12exits from the metal container 14 to the air compressor 16, or othersuitable devises. The negative electrical conductor goes straight to thecompressor or what ever devise energizes the electromagnetic field. Thesolution 23 is fed into the metal container 14 through the solutionintake 32. The electromagnetic field volatilizes the precious metals andother minerals from the solutions 23. Low volume air from the aircompressor 16 is swept across the top of the solution level 30 in themetal container 14 The volatile gasses are swept through the air line 18to the recovery circuit. Now referring to FIG. 2: Ore or other feedmaterial 126 is fed into the metal container 128 through the conveyer124. The feed material 126 is subjected to a electromagnetic field,energized by a positive electrical conductor wrapped around the metalcontainer 128. The positive electrical conductor goes from the metalcontainer. It is used to energize the compressor 118 or what ever deviseis used to produce the amperage amount necessary for the electromagneticfield. The precious metals and other minerals are volatilized to the topof the container and are swept out by a low volume of air. It may alsobe swept out by a vacuum, or negative air pressure rather than positiveair pressure. In FIG. 2 it is delivered by the air compressor 118,through the air line to the container 117. The gasses are swept up intothe air line to the recovery 122 circuit.

[0097] Operation of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4

[0098] Now referring to FIG. 3, feed material 212 is fed into chute 210.Feed material 212 is fed down into the conveyor 214. The feed material212 is stripped of its minerals as it passes underneath the energizedwrapped rod or tube electrode 218. The wrapped rod or tube electrode 218is energized by positive electrode 224. The stripped feed material 228is discharged off the end of the conveyer 214. The volatile gases riseto the top of hood 208 and is drawn off by a vacuum from a suction lineto the compressor 216 and to recovery. From the electrical source 226the negative electrode 222 goes directly to the compressor 220.

[0099] Now referring to FIG. 4. A bore hole 302 is drilled into theground 318 and a electromagnetic probe 304 is inserted into the borehole 302. A suitable containment or cone shaped cover 306 is placed overthe hole to catch the volatile gases. The gases are drawn off torecovery through negative air pressure through the vacuum line to thecompressor 312. The process is energized by the positive electrode 308.The positive electrode 308 goes from the electromagnetic probe 304 tothe compressor 312 or other devises that creates the amperages to createa sufficient electromagnetic field. The negative electrode 314 goesdirectly to the compressor 312. The volatile gases are drawn off to beprocessed.

[0100] The main embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1,FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 has several advantages. For example, heavymetals are stripped from solutions and feed material in aenvironmentally clean manner. Leaving the solution and feed materialcleaner, devoid of volatile minerals. It also opens up possibilities ofcleaning up volatile heavy metals out of sewage, runoff or irrigationwaters, municipal water supplies or possibly from super fund sites, orfrom other similar applications.

[0101] The effectiveness of the present technique for the extraction andrecovery of precious metals and other volatile minerals, is furtherenhanced by the short retention time of the solutions, slurries and feedmaterials and stripping bore holes using the electromagneticvolatilization process. Letting the operator run larger volumes ofsolution, slurries or feed materials through the process in a shorttime. Or in the case of FIG. 4, large acreage amounts to the depth ofthe drill holes can be ran in a relative short time. The process isfurther enhanced by the cost of setting up the processing plant andprocessing the solutions or feed materials at a fraction of the cost ofconventional processing.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

[0102] Thus the reader will see that electromagnetic volatilization aspertaining to recovery of volatile precious metals is a major mile stonein the mining industry's recovery of precious metals. The environmentalramifications of this invention will be an asset to the industry and thecounty. Not only is it a environmentally clean process, it is cheap andcost effective in the recovery of precious metals. Furthermore, theelectromagnetic volatilization process has the additional advantages inthat:

[0103] The invention not only works for solutions but it also works forwaste, run off, or sewage water, and dry or wet feed materials as well,it also can be used in bore holes.

[0104] While I believe, but will not be bound by, that even conventionalore bodies contain appreciable amounts of volatile metals. These metalsare now being, and have been lost in the processing of these ores byconventional means, that can now be recovered.

[0105] It also may be utilized by municipalities to be used as stripingprocess in industrial application. Many sewage lagoons ro othercontainment ponds may find the above applications a viable part of theirprocess, offsetting their cost of running their operation by recoveringprecious metals.

[0106] This Invention will open the door to many small miners, showingthem the way to mine and recover minerals in an environmentally soundmanner.

[0107] Stripping minerals from the earth by drilling bore holes, leavingthe earth undisturbed is a major environmental achievement. Not tomention the cost factor in being able to mine without disturbing theground.

[0108] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined notby the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

[0109] While my above description contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.Many other variations are possible. For example the above process maybe:

[0110] Changed in size.

[0111] Connected or associated with its adjacent elements in a differentmanner.

[0112] Made integrally or separately.

[0113] Use different combination of electromagnetic's.

[0114] Not limited to just one type of magnetic field.

[0115] Not limited to the size of the feed or the moisture content.

[0116] Not limited to the temperature of the solution or feed material.

[0117] Not limited to the temperature of air or gasses.

[0118] Mineral rich gases can also be controlled using negative airflow.

[0119] Not limited to the amount of amperage or voltage required toextract minerals

I claim: 1- A means for extracting natural occurring volatile mineralscomprising: Using an internal electromagnetic field or corona in which asolution or selected feed material(s) are passed through or in proximityto said corona to volatilize natural occurring volatile minerals. 2- Themeans for extracting natural occurring volatile minerals as in claim 1comprising using an electrode apparatus installed on a container tocreate a internal electromagnetic field or corona to volatilize naturaloccurring precious metals and other minerals from solutions or selectedfeed materials fed through the container. 3- The means for extractingnatural occurring volatile minerals using a predetermined magneticintensity selectively volatilize and control and the internal coronafield inside a container to selectively volatilize natural occurringminerals in solutions or selected feed material. 4- A means ofextracting natural occurring volatile minerals comprising: An externalelectromagnetic field or corona field to extract natural occurringvolatile precious metals and other volatile minerals from solutions orfeed material(s) from a closed container by passing them in proximity tosaid corona consisting of electrodes placed on a core material apparatusand energized. 5- The means for extracting natural occurring volatileminerals as in claim 4 comprising a predetermined amperage load tocontrol the external corona field to selectively volatilize naturaloccurring volatile minerals in solutions or selected feed materials. 6-The means for extracting natural occurring volatile minerals as in claim4 comprising processing large unbroken ore or feed material. 7- Themeans for extracting volatile natural occurring volatile minerals as inclaim 4 comprising a drill or bore holes of predetermined length,drilled into the earth, using a elongated core apparatus with electrodesenergized lowered into a bore hole creating a electromagnetic corona tovolatilize volatile natural occurring minerals.